hole in windpipe

[Von66]

I’m 3 years post Ivor Lewis, 2023 scan showed cancer in lymph node in neck had chemo and radiation, the radiation has now caused a hole in my windpipe that makes my saliva go down wrong pipe, causing chest infections just out of hospital after phenomena. Constant coughing . They first said could put a stint in to cover hole now they saying the hole is too big 3cm and there’s nothing they can do anyone else had this ??

[telford-hiker]

Blimey,can’t they operate to close it..or put something around it,seems quite big just to leave,ecspcially when it’s causing so much trouble..fingers crossed for a solution 🤞🏻

[KnitterMel]

I have just had a stent put in my trachea in Southampton, not my usual portsmouth hospital. Maybe ask for a second opinion or push for the stent. They didn't tell me how big mine was but from the CT it looked big. I was in hospital with pneumonia and chest infection that had a clear up before they'd do the stent. 3 weeks post stent and it feels OK. Currently fighting the remaining infection but should stop the pneumonia. I would push for second opinion. Good luck 👍

[Von66 in reply to KnitterMel]

Was it a big operation? I’m the same just out of hospital with chest and pneumonia infection . The constant coughing drains me ! Don’t see how they just leave you like this .

[Andersl]

As the others have said, get a second opinion. Hopefully you've got someone who can phone around the bigger centres whilst you focus on getting yourself fit for the op.There's an excellent hospital in Sheffield .that my friend (6 years post diagnosis and doing fine). Might be a journey but you need that op and you need it done well and soon to ease your suffering.

I'll ask my friend for contact details.

All the best

[Artiquety in reply to Andersl]

Christie’s in Manchester are centre of gold standard excellence and are very informative

[BB45]

So sorry to hear that. My husband had his stent for a 50% hole but was in his oesophagus after a major astomic leak and infection etc healed after about 8 weeks. Lots of drains as well. Defiantly get another opinion surly they must be able to do something to heal it or at least try.